Elementary School Teacher Salary in Oswego, IL: $59,318 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time elementary school teacher in Oswego, IL earns a median $59,318/year (≈ $28.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Once you factor in Oswego's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $61,090 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oswego, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for an elementary school teacher in 2026 is $59,318, which falls below the national median of $64,597 by approximately 8.17%. The salary range for Oswego teachers spans from $47,566 at the 10th percentile to $91,942 at the 90th percentile, providing a broad spectrum of earning potential. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities, reflect the vital role of specialty stipends, particularly for teachers in high-demand areas such as special education, STEM, and bilingual education. With a local teaching workforce of only seven elementary school teachers, the competition for attracting qualified candidates remains crucial for Oswego's educational institutions.
About the Oswego Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,566 | $22.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,337 | $26.61 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,318 | $28.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,078 | $36.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,942 | $44.20 |
Median Salary Position
8.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oswego
In Oswego, IL, the elementary school teacher salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,376 (2026 est.). At $59,318, the local median is 8.17% below the national median of $64,597.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Oswego: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Oswego Elementary School Teacher Pay Compares
Oswego median: $59,318/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oswego Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $61,597 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $64,597 | -8.17% less |
Elementary School Teachers in Oswego, IL earn a median of $59,318 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.17% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.70% below the Illinois state average of $61,597.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oswego has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Oswego, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A elementary school teacher earning $59,318 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,090 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,793
2025 BLS Actual
$58,742
2026 Current Est.
$59,318
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,793 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,382 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,476 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,329 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,742 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,318 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,899 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oswego metropolitan area, the median elementary school teacher salary grew 7.2% from $54,793 (2019) to $58,742 (2025). At a 0.98% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,899 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,106 (9.32%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oswego metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,566 – $55,337 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,337 – $59,318 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,318 – $75,078 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,078 – $91,942 |
Teacher salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual elementary school teacher compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Elementary School Teacher Job Market in Oswego
When considering the local job market, it’s essential to factor in the cost-of-living index of 97.1, which indicates Oswego’s affordability compared to the national average. The limited number of teachers could signal opportunities for competitive contracts, especially among K-12 public school districts. Generally, the highest-paying positions in Oswego are offered by those districts that follow the traditional step-and-lane pay scale, reflecting years of experience and educational credentials. Additionally, those engaged in specialized fields may command higher salaries through various stipends or extended contracts. To maximize their earning potential, educators should explore opportunities for after-school tutoring, advanced degree completion, or obtaining National Board Certification, all strategies that can enhance pay and job security in the local market.
More salary data for Oswego, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $58,742 for elementary school teachersin the Oswego metropolitan area. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oswego is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov